97 Saturn SC1 ignition problems?

Question

I started my 97 sc1 and white gray smoke came out from under the dash. I had to replace the 30 amp fuse under the hood and now the radio won't keep the time stored or the radio stations stored. Any ideas what it could be? I'm thinking the ignition switch but it did burn a black wire under the steering column and I'm wondering how much damage it may have done and what I should do to fix it.

deadman · Accepted Answer

It sounds like a short to ground, either in the ignition switch or in the harness itself. Many times the shorted wire gets so hot it breaks the circuit it's in -this would explain the lack of power on the battery power circuit to the dash(constant power to the radio for clock maintenance, lighter, etc.).

The "black wire" that smoked is likely a ground wire, and is your smoking gun. Whatever circuit/relay/switch that wire provides ground for, is likely where you'll find your problem. Note: Replacing/repairing that wire prior to fixing the actual problem will accomplish nothing...aside from more damage. And once you find the problem, I'd also check the power feed wiring for overheat damage.

You can find a wiring diagram in the factory service manuals, Alldata and occasionally you can get lucky and find one posted online.
Then it's just a process of elimination to find the short.

? · Answer

97 Saturn Sc1

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97 Saturn SC1 ignition problems?

3 Answers